RIP Charles Albert Poland Jr.

I'm not usually the sappy kinda guy, but with all these shootings and crazyness going on at schools I wanted to point out the heroic act of Charles Albert Poland, Jr. He was the bus driver that gave his life trying to protect his young passengers from A Freaking Wacko as he tried to kidnap two little kids to use as hostages for an, as yet unknown reason. Basically, the wack-job boarded the bus in an attempt to take two kids. The bus driver stood in the way and was shot multiple times.
I only hope his family realizes what kind of a man he apparently was. My hat's off to you Mr. Poland.

The words Bravery and Hero seem to be passed out a bit too easily these days. This is certainly a case were they are entirely appropriate.

Could I ask that you remove the name of the a-hole from your post and leave only Mr. Polands name? I hate the fact that these a-holes tend to get more fame then the ones that give there lives to try and save people. Maybe we can start a trend.

I heard about it this morning, they ever rescue the 6 year old?

Was just reading about it, seems the kid still hasn't been rescued, and the nutjob doesn't even know the kid. He just boarded the bus looking for some kid to take hostage.

Really sad about the bus driver, he must have known the same thing was probably going to happen either way but gave his life in a long-shot attempt to protect the kids.

The wackjob (according to NPR) is a deranged Vietnam Vet. He's had a habit of threatening neighbors, patrolling his land while armed, and shooting neighborhood pets.

He's been a known nutcase for a while.....shame no one got to him before he snapped and killed Mr. Poland.

Aircooled, done. Thanks for that.
Yeah, the 'standoff' is still going on. He just wanted to take two kids for hostages, don't know what for. He was scheduled to go to court in a few days related to an issue in the neighborhood.
He has threatened to shoot kids for being to close to his property, he beat a dog to death with a pipe, shot at neighbors. The only question is, why wasn't this guy locked up before?

Thank you for your sacrifice, Mr. Poland. I hope the kid comes out of this OK.

DrBoost wrote: The only question is, why wasn't this guy locked up before?

Now THAT is the right question......

DrBoost wrote: The only question is, why wasn't this guy locked up before?

Due process?

According to news reports there were 4 shell casings found on the bus. The person clearly did not intend just to incapacitate Mr. Poland.

R.I.P. - You have to admire any one who puts themselves in harm's way, especially to protect children.

Valiant effort, Mr. Charles Albert Poland Jr.

slantvaliant wrote:

DrBoost wrote: The only question is, why wasn't this guy locked up before?

Due process?

because we need tougher gun laws! :rolleyes:

slantvaliant wrote:

DrBoost wrote: The only question is, why wasn't this guy locked up before?

Due process?

If he just did something last week, then I'd agree. It sounds like this is an ongoing thing. I put that in italics because we are dealing with the media here, I understand how they spin things.

Another incident that makes me sick. I can only imagine the pain both families (boy's and Mr Poland's) are going through.

I know I sound like a broken record, but 'doing something' about someone who is not 'right' (i.e. insane) is just not as easy as it sounds. It's just not a high priority until something like this happens and then it's too late.

In reply to Curmudgeon:

Sadly true. My Dad's uncle tried for years to get help for my cousin but he was never violent enough. Then he stabbed him to death. Now the state will hold on to him.

CNN posted an article on him this morning:

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/02/01/us/alabama-slain-bus-driver/index.html

Oh man, so sad